Adam McCarter

Like many students, I choose to study geography at Leeds quite simply because I didn’t know what else to do and going to University was the ‘done thing’. Now that I am about to graduate however I realise that there is a lot more to it than that!

The diverse and flexible nature of the programme has meant I have been able to take ownership of my degree and tailor it towards my own interests. At the same time, I have built up a wide range of transferable skills that are applicable to numerous different employment sectors. From the moment I arrived the lecturers always made a conscious effort to explain how what I was learning could be applied in the real world, something that proved to be very beneficial to someone who had no idea what they wanted to do!

The opportunity to take a Year in Industry was one of the main reasons I chose to come to Leeds and it has resulted in me being fortunate to secure a place on the DHL Supply Chain Graduate Programme following a successful placement year. Graduate employment, however, was not the only benefit of taking a year out. It taught me what mornings were and to appreciate student life while it lasted – both of which have helped make my final year the most enjoyable one!

Being a geography student in Leeds has provided me with many incredible experiences and opportunities as there is so much more to it than going to lectures and reading textbooks. The work is made that bit more manageable by week long field trips to Montpellier and Athens as well as weekends in Amsterdam with 100 other Geography students! Furthermore, the extra-curricular activities you can get involved in are endless; but unfortunately, your time isn’t - so you have to pick and choose! Being a Student Ambassador of the School of Geography, a member of the GeogSoc committee and playing rugby has not only been very enjoyable and a great way to meet new people but they are handy to have on the CV too!

Choosing to study geography at Leeds has been the best decision I have ever made, I hope it is for you too.